a result CTG 7,3 requested CNO to initiate wire drag operations of
all Bikini channels to a 30-foot depth and a 1,000-foot width.
Approval of this project was obtained and Mine Division 74 (MINDIV 74)
was diverted to Bikini to accomplish the task.
Following the comple-
tion of the wire dragging in January, 1954, the BUTTONWOOD planted
eight new buoys and moved six to mark the channel,
During Typhoon HESTER an AVR was lost because the shackle that
connected the bucy to its anchor had broken.
This loss indicated
that other moorings at Eniwetok might te unsafe so CTG 132.3 requested that CJTF 132 direct the inspection of all mooring buoys
at Eniwetok in order that necessary repairs and replacements could
be made,
During April, 1953, recommendations were made for the
installation of a mooring buoyage system at Bikini as well as
additions to the Eniwetok system.
In July, CTG 7.3 resubmitted
the request for inspection and overhaul of the large ship and small
craft mooring bucys at the two atolls since only a few small craft
buoys had been attended to as a result of the April request.
CJIF
SEVEN advised CNO of the situation and requested that necessary work
be undertaken by the Navy since it was beyond the capabilities of
CTG 7.5.
The USS GYPSY (ARSD-1), with H&N assistance, commenced
pulling and inspecting moorings at Eniwetok in September.
Later,
because of slow progress, the USS ELDER (AN-20) was ordered to
assist the GYPSY.
Another buoy problem, though not related to the matter of
navigational aids, was that raised by the radioactive fallout
Studies pianned by the Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory